NPR's A Martinez speaks with senior research engineer Jonathan Snodgrass at Texas A&M University about the safety of power grids after three countries in Europe experienced blackouts.

Forecasters said the best chances for rain will come on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

State Sen. Charles Perry is championing a statewide water grid similar to one proposed almost 70 years ago.

A hearing is set for May 6 on a temporary restraining order to keep secret the details of the settlement.

The recommended changes would tighten many rules on metal recycling companies, especially as it relates to city enforcement and fire safety.

Welcome!! This is the first episode of Nature Quest, a monthly Short Wave segment that answers listener questions about your local environment. This month, we hear from a listener in California who's concerned that the flowers in his neighborhood are blooming way, way earlier. Is that normal? And is climate change the culprit? Short Wavers Emily Kwong and Hannah Chinn investigate. Got a question about changes in your local environment? Send a voice memo to shortwave@npr.org with your name, where you live and your question. We might make it into our next Nature Quest episode!Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

Live oak trees explode with lime green pollen from March through early May.

Wednesday evening and Thursday — the first day of Fiesta 2025 — may both see a 50% chance of showers or thunderstorms. Friday may also see some more rain. Highs would remain in the mid 80s. Sunny skies return in time for the weekend, with highs in the low 90s.

Thirty artists release songs with nature sounds to generate royalties for nature conservation in second annual United Nations Earth Day mixtape.

McDonald Observatory astronomers worked with energy companies to dim their lights.